On a weekend conditioned by difficult weather that is literally keeping the Swiss armed forces in check, the Patrouille des Glaciers Jeunes took place without the slightest hitch in a Verbier whitewashed by a nice snowfall that brought everyone back to a wintry climate. Hazy skies, a light layer of powder and a decidedly cool climate were the setting for a beautiful morning of sport animated by around 600 young athletes who challenged themselves on routes of different lengths and technicalities depending on the age groups.
Lots of kids from local schools were at the start, but also real young talents who wanted to end the season on a high here. The talents of the Italian under 20 ski mountaineering team Leonardo Taufer – Hermann Debertolis shone above all, setting an impossible pace for their direct opponents and arriving alone at the finish line. In the women’s category welcomed by the official voice of the PDG and of all the stages of La Grande Course Silvano Gadin, the Swiss Robine Deseyn and Margaux Mendes De Leon passed first under the finish line.
Italy again also in the under 18 competition with the national teams Vanessa Marca – Martina Scola and Switzerland again in the Men’s with Malik Uldry – Arno Moser. In the under 16 race, however, the top step of the podium was all clear with Emma Kamerzin – Chloé Lambercier and Martin Barras – Elmo Frei.
Regardless of the rankings, sport won again today in Verbier. Some with ultra-light skis and boots, some with four buckles and anything but racing outfits, all the competitors of this PDG Jeunes best interpreted the essential values of ski mountaineering: friendship, sharing of effort and mutual help.
RANKINGS
photo credit Maurizio Torri – La Grande Course
Tags: Ski mountaineering DebertolisTauferScola Venetian triumph Patrouille des Glaciers
